National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

We have made significant advances in reducing crime in our
communities. As we continue to work to prevent crime, we also have a
duty to help victims as they cope with the trauma of crimes committed
against them. Each year during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we
acknowledge the suffering endured by crime victims, and we honor those
who bring hope and comfort to victims and their families.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Victims
of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA), landmark legislation that sustains
thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country.
Established by VOCA, the Crime Victims Fund provides crucial assistance
for victims and their families, including counseling, shelter,
courtroom advocacy, and help with expenses. In recent years, VOCA has
begun addressing issues such as cybercrime, identity theft, hate
violence, and stalking. It has also expanded its services to help
victims of domestic and international terrorism.

While our Nation works to prevent terrorist activities, we also
continue to wage a war against other crimes. In fighting violent
crime, we battle the problems of drug abuse, gun violence, and other
threats to our safety. We must ensure that when crimes do occur, we
always protect the rights of victims. For this reason, my
Administration continues to endorse the bipartisan Crime Victims'
Rights Amendment. By allowing victims of violent crime to be present
and heard at public proceedings and by giving them access to
information, such an amendment would guarantee victims' inclusion in
the criminal justice process without threatening the rights of
defendants.

While the Congress considers this amendment, my Administration
continues to support important resources for victims and public
safety. We have directed funding to improve the use of DNA technology
to solve crime and identify missing persons; we are employing multiple
agency resources to aid victims of trafficking who are forced into
slavery and prostitution; and we are encouraging faith-based
organizations to provide spiritual and material sustenance to those who
have suffered and lost.

This month, I was pleased to sign into law the Unborn Victims of
Violence Act of 2004, which creates a separate offense under Federal
law for death or injury to an unborn

child, in addition to any charges relating to the mother. Across
our country, victims are being better served and better protected, but
more can be done. I encourage every community to show compassion to
victims and their families by providing them with the support they
need.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through
April 24, 2004, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I encourage
all Americans to embrace the cause of victims' rights and help to
advance it throughout our society.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth
day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.